Our 2008 started with a big bang. My son Gio was requested to be the second reader during the New Year's mass and he did it with utmost eloquence. He was again asked to serve yesterday but this time, as a psalmist. Our parish priest wanted the psalmists in all the masses to be children in celebration of the Feast of the Sto. Nino. The whole family (Tatay, Nanay, Eia, Ate Ella, Romy and T. Jenny) was all there with me to support my son in his first attempt as psalmist.
He practiced twice during the week, being a first-timer. I thought I wouldn't be nervous anymore because singing in public is no longer new for Gio. He already sang successfully in SM, in various parties and reunions.
When my son stepped up the pulpit and began to sing, I felt my whole body froze and my heart stopped beating. But every time he looked at me (I was seated on the first row), I managed to smile at him and nod my head, signalling him that he's doing great. I held my breath until he finished singing the last word. When it was finally over I couldn't stop murmuring "thank you, thank you Lord!"
Then it was offertory. My daughter Eia, with her Coke Light in Can filled with 25 centavo coins for the Pondong Pinoy, proudly led the line towards the altar. She handed her offering to the priest, stepped aside and patiently waited for everybody to offer their gifts and receive the priest's blessing. After that she gracefully walked back to our seat then gave me a big hug and kiss. I couldn't stop myself from crying while trying to follow the offertory song "Let's Exalt His Name Together". I felt so blessed for having two wonderful children who, in their ages 10 and 8, are already expressing their faithful love for God.
